The Irvington Union Free School District is developing a debt-neutral capital bond project to improve the following areas:
• School safety,
• Maintenance and infrastructure needs,
• Energy conservation, and
• Learning space modernization
A component of the bond proposal is the construction of a Facilities Building at Dows Lane (see pages 27-33 of the Board's Bond Presentation). The proposed 3500 sq ft garage is to be located at the existing paved Basketball Court at Dows.
We are a group of concerned district residents. We encourage our fellow residents to become informed about what is proposed in the bond and oppose the construction of any facility/garage at our Elementary School.
This petition and collection of signatures is to show opposition to the construction of this building in this location at Dows Lane. Please consider the following concerns and detriments which will result from such construction:
- Loss of scenic and tranquil green space which will reduce wildlife, loss of mature trees and harm to the trees left behind.
- Increased pollution to the area: noise, light and potential environmental hazards.
- Increased safety hazards; more truck traffic to the area, potential hazards around garage in an area that is in very close proximity to where residents, staff & school children traverse and play on a daily basis.
- Loss of frequently used play space which is counter-intuitive to what we work to teach our children about the importance of outdoor play. The elementary school does use the area for some programs including recess. Potential loss of the walking path that connects village streets to the campus via Maple Street.
We learned from the recent presentation from the Building and Grounds Committee that they had reviewed other locations and found no better parcels within the district that could accommodate a garage of this size. However, we encourage the Board to continue to re-consider other options and locations.
We urge the Board not to approve the bond proposal as it is now on March 5. If a suitable alternate location for this building is not found, we respectfully ask that the Board removes this facilities component completely from the bond proposal.
